Meta analysis of risk of violence for people with schizophrenia as opposed to risk for general population

Measured using self reports of criminal convictions for violence

A diagnosis of schizophrenia was reliably associated with an increased risk of violence amongst men and women

Why do more schizophrenics offend?

The relationship between schizophrenia and crime could be causal, correlational or consequential (Palmer, 2013)

Causal: people respond to delusions criminally

Correlational: factors that are thought to be associated with schizophrenia are also implicated in criminal behaviour such as living in a dysfunctional family. Sudden life events should prompt both outcomes

Consequential: committing a crime is stressful and traumatic, this could increase the likelihood of exhibiting schizophrenic symptoms

What is the difference between psychopathy and sociopathy?

Psychopathy: characterised by a chronic disturbance to the self, others and their environment causing distress and harm to others and a failure to complete their social obligations' APA (2000)